The Hall of Fame outfielder who's spent more than a half-century
with the Tigers found himself in an unusual spot Tuesday: on the
opposite side of the team wearing the old English D.

He had a good reason, too. Freshman Colin Kaline plays second
base for Florida Southern, which lost to the Tigers 17-4 in an
exhibition game.

"This might be the only time I ever root against somebody other
than the Tigers," Al Kaline said. "I would love to see him get a
hit, but if he doesn't, that's not a problem."

Colin Kaline went 0-for-4, the first time he's ever faced major
league pitching in a game situation. He is batting .293 after 11
games for the Moccasins and has been steady in the field. He was
flawless against the Tigers with an assist and a putout.

He said he wasn't nervous, even with his grandfather in
attendance.

"He's always tried to come to my games, so I knew he was
watching," Colin Kaline said. "He's been to most of my college
games so far and just comes to have a good time. If I need to ask
him a question he will answer it for me, but other than that, he's
just my grandpa."

The Moccasins looked a little star-struck, but Colin Kaline said
the team was just trying to take it all in.

"It was surreal at first, but it was a thrill for all of us,"
he said. "We just tried to compete like it was just another
game."

Colin Kaline said he knew many of the Tigers through his
grandfather. Closer Todd Jones started for the Tigers and when he
came in from the bullpen, he gave the younger Kaline a nod -- Colin
said that made the day for him.

Tigers manager Jim Leyland said he understood that it was a
special day for the Kalines.

"He's a smart kid and he will succeed in whatever he chooses to
do," Leyland said.